Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Govt says critical report leads to settlement talks

Updated at 1:00 pm on 6 August 2012

The Government says it is planning talks with Ngati Toa, following a critical Waitangi Tribunal report on the Crown's negotiations with the lower North Island tribe.

The tribunal has found failings in the Office of Treaty Settlements' conduct over talks and commitments relating to the iwi's first right of refusal to buy state property in Wellington.

Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson is welcoming the report and says the way is now clear for the Crown and Ngati Toa to conclude negotiations.

But first, he says, he will discuss the tribunal's recommendations with the iwi and find a way forward that honours their settlement negotiations, which would lead to the initialling of a deed of settlement.

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